Winston Churchill said “Some regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look on it as a cow they can milk. Only a handful see it for what it really is – the strong and willing horse that pulls the whole cart along.”
Churchill was correct: private enterprise is how wealth is created in our society. Government initiatives, bail-outs and subsidies do not create wealth, they consume it, placing an even larger burden on the true wealth creators.
In 1929 federal spending was 3% of our national income. Today federal spending is over 30% and total government spending (federal, state and local) exceeds 60% of national income according to the Heartland Institute.
Yet success in business is often villainized. We need to encourage, support and celebrate our entrepreneurs. To do otherwise would be to literally bite the hand that feeds, clothes and shelters us all.
December 4, 2014 @ 1:54 pm
Greg, All true points but how do you change the mindset and culture of the American people? That’s the challenge in my opinion. Those who are aware, know what the problem is. The solution is not there yet… Unfortunately, the election cycle is too slow to stop the tailspin of the American economy and brand.
What other actions can we take?
Best, Tom
December 8, 2014 @ 6:28 am
I think one of the first things we can do is celebrate entrepreneurial success that already exists in our communities and encourage more. That is why I am so thrilled that over 100 Montana high tech and manufacturing firms has joined the Montana High Tech Business Alliance in the past few months. We are working to shine a light on their success. You can learn more at http://www.MThightech.org. Private sector business success creates opportunities for many people in a community by making the economic pie larger.
greg